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Gayle Victoria Blackburn

Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies

I joined the University in September 2019. I have worked in education for almost 20 years and began my career as a Primary Teacher, specialising in Early Years before heading into lecturing within the Further Education sector. I developed a love for supporting students towards their career goal. I have managed a range of courses and teams with childhood and education being the main focus area.

Developing an effective and professional workforce in the Early Years sector is something I am passionate about and I have spent my career working with students and settings developing this. Learners gain so much from being "hands on" and it is invaluable for them to complete work placements so they can make meaningful links to theory.

I am excited about leading on the new Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies route. We are one of only eight universities to offer this to our Childhood Studies learners and it will be an excellent opportunity for me to transfer my years of expertise alongside supporting our childhood practitioners and advocating the importance of a professional workforce within childcare settings.